ITANAGAR, Jul 11: The Hospital Development Committee of Arunachal State Hospital,
Naharlagun has decided to scale down services in the male ward, diagnostic section,
labor room and operation theatre (OT) due to on-going construction works of the 300-bed
hospital building, according to a Hospital release.

Process is on for demolition of the DOTs Plus centre, VIP cabin, Dobom-1 and 2, Psychiatry
wing and Old Ayush ward to make room for construction of new building.

The hospital is passing through a difficult time in maintaining normal services due
to ongoing construction and demolition of old structures leading to frequent disruption
in water and power supply, creating problem in maintenance of sanitation and cleanliness
which caused inconvenience to the patients, staff and the public as well, the release
said. Incessant rain is also causing seepage of water into ward, OT and Labor room
area from construction sites, the release further informed..

This unfavorable situation is likely to continue till some portions of the new construction
are commissioner for use, the release said and appealed to all to bear with the inconveniences
and cooperate with the Hospital authority during this difficult time.

Solid waste recycling plant installed at Jairampur

JIRAMPUR, Jul 11: A unit of solid wastes recycling plant was installed at Khamba
village of Jairampur today. This plant would benefit the entire township including
the surrounding villages of the Jairampur area as it would convert wastes materials,
garbage into best organic manure for use in agricultural fields.

The project considered as ‘Backbone Project’ of UD Department was conceived with
consultation of State Pollution Control Board and Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban
Renewal Mission.

Public leader Izmir Tikhak, Deputy Director of Urban Development & Housing and public
were present during the installation programme.

However, the adopted persons are not in a position to tell their own address and
relatives. The authorities of rehabilitation centre also could not find out their
identities yet.

The relatives of adopted persons are requested to make any claim or objection regarding
the steps taken by the Mother’s Home for their rehabilitation within a period of
one month. The Mother’s Home will not entertain any claim and objections after the
expiry of the given time.

Gutkhas, polythene carry bags banned in Upper Siang

YINGKIONG, Jul 11: Upper Siang District Magistrate in a separate executive order
has banned selling of all kinds of Gutkhas, including Tiranga, Madhu, Parag etc and
use of plastic/polythene carry bags for packaging edible items in Upper Siang district
with immediate effect.

The executive order was issued in view of rampant selling and use of the banned items
causing health hazard and environmental pollution.

All the executive magistrates of the district have been directed to implement the
order strictly and carry out checking drive. DIPRO

PDCA to encourage indigenous players

ITANAGAR, Jul 11: The Papum Pare district administration has reportedly allowed Papum
Pare District Cricket Association (PDCA) to use the ground of Yupia multi-purpose
stadium for cricketing activities.

While informing this, PDCA in a release said that the pitch and outfield of the ground
would be built and maintained by the Association.

The ground would be used for the purpose of playing, practicing, training and coaching
to the outstanding cricketers of the district, the release said.

The primary objective of the PDCA would be to give only priority to the indigenous
talents of Papum Pare district.

Beside coaching and training, the Association would also conduct skill development,
technical resource promotion and counselling programmes, it added.

ARF reiterates demand

ITANAGAR, Jul 11: The Arunachal Righteous Forum (ARF), in a memorandum, has urged
the All India Congress Committee (AICC) president to drop Power (Elect) and Rural
Development Minister Tanga Byaling from Council of Ministers of Arunachal Pradesh
for his alleged corrupt practices and involvement in illegal appointments in various
Govt departments during his tenure as ministers in various departments.

KVK conducts capacity building prog. for women

ITANAGAR, Jul 11: The Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Tawang organized a one-day training
for building capacity of women in vegetable crop production and integrated disease
and pest management in potato at Seru village yesterday.

The Subject Matter Specialist (Agril.Ext.) stated the usefulness and benefit of formation
of groups like self help group and farmers club.

The Subject Matter Specialist in Plant Protection discussed about different pests
and diseases in potatoes and their management.

Later in interaction session, the farmers got their various doubts related to vegetable
crops cleared by the resource persons.

The Association in its executive meeting held here today resolved that it would fight
against all social evils including selling of Puroik young girls and boys.

In another resolution, it resolved to approach the higher authorities to protest
against the implementation of project/schemes by the outsiders in Puroik inhabited
area in East Kameng, Kurung Kumey and Papum Pare districts.

The Association also expressed concern over non-attendance of some teachers in schools
under Puroik populated area and urged them to stay at posting places.

Apart from these, the Association decided to conduct educational and social awareness
campaign in schools and Puroik villages in East Kameng, Kurung Kumey and Papum
Pare in September-October.

AAPMTWU office inaugurated

ITANAGAR, Jul 11: The head office of the All Arunachal Pradesh Motor Transport Workers
Union (AAPMTWU) near Logun Bridge, Naharlagun was inaugurated in a simple function
today. Among others, Shillong Tajo, chairman, Bazaar Welfare Committee, Naharlagun
and Nani Hania, a senior citizen were present on the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, Tajo informed that the union was formed by himself along
with Takam Sanjoy, Member of Parliament and late Peter Taksin in the year 1987. However,
Union did not function properly for many years due to pre-occupation of MP Takam
Sanjoy and himself in politics, he said. Later, it was revived in 2008 for the well-being
of the motor transport workers, he informed.

Kamku Yangfo president of AAPMTWU urged all the members to constantly remain in touch
with the union so that all grievances can be heard properly.

Private security guards to boycott duty

ITANAGAR, Jul 11: Expressing resentment over the non-enhancement of salary since
2005 by a telecommunication company, the Sagar Security Agent (GHY) Welfare Society
has decided to boycott its duty on July 15 from 5 am to 5 pm in Capital Complex.
Security workers engaged by a private mobile service provider have been working
without enhancement of salary since their induction into job, the Society said.

Dist Bar Association meet held

ITANAGAR, Jul 11: Papum Pare District Bar Association in a meeting on July 9 last
held discussion on separation of judiciary from executive in the state and development
of Papum Pare District Bar Association.

The meeting chaired by its vice president Gimi Tarak also discussed regarding improvement
of judiciary system in the state, particularly Papum Pare district and reconstitution
of the Bar association.

Association demands

ITANAGAR, Jul 11: All Arunachal Pradesh Unemployed Engineers’ Association today demanded
the transport department for recruitment of technical persons only to the technical
posts of superintendent station officer, district transport officer and others. It
said that only the engineering graduates in any discipline should be given preference
for appointment to the above mentioned technical posts. Similarly, automobile/mechanical
engineering degree/diploma holders should be given first perference to appear the
interview for the posts of foreman and MVI, it said.

Blankets donated to fire victims

ITANAGAR, Jul 11: All Limeking Youth Welfare Association has donated blankets to
the fire victims who lost their dwelling houses and properties in a devastating
fire at Bogung village on July 2. Informing that three houses were gutted down in
the fire mishap, the Association appealed to the government to provide relief assistance
to the fire victims.

Social service

ITANAGAR, Jul 11: Around 100 volunteers including youths and students under the banner
of All Limeking Youth Welfare Association (ALYWA) cleaned up the surrounding of Daporijo
General Hospital and DMO office on July 7 last.

The hospital authority extended all possible help and lauded the volunteers for their
social service.

Arunachal Pradesh Congress Seva Dal has conducted a social service at the KVIB chairman
office complex Chandranagar. Office bearers of APCSD, City Congress Seva Dal and
officers and staff of the KVIB participated in the social service.

Tree plantation marks Vanamahotsava in Pasighat

PASIGHAT, Jul 11: As part of Vanamahotsava celebration, a cleanliness drive and mass
tree plantation programme were organized at Govt. Paglek Middle School here today.

Around 100 avenue and medicinal plants and 300 ornamental plants were planted on
the occasion by the teachers, students and forest staff.

Bittem Darang, DFO (T) gave emphasis on cleanliness and planting more trees for
clean and healthy environment. He advised the students and the school authority to
take care of the planted saplings for healthy growth.

Pasighat Forest Division has so far provided over 4000 avenue, medicinal, fruit and
ornamental seedlings to various educational institutions, state and central govt.
offices and villagers during the Vana Mahatsavaan week, Darang informed. DIPRO

Village volunteers support demand

ITANAGAR, Jul 11: The village volunteer youth Nyopang village under Silsango circle,
Papum Pare district claimed that concern raised by villagers regarding poor construction
of Anganwadi building in Nyopang village is based on reality. In a release, they
stated that people who built building are now misleading ordinary citizens to hide
their mistake.

Further, they also said that boundary wall of Nyopang residential school was constructed
under SSA scheme without following proper specification.

NEW DELHI, Jul 11: As projected by the State Government, the Planning Commission
has approved the Annual Plan Size 2012-13 for Arunachal Pradesh at Rs. 3,535 crores.
This was finalized at the meeting held between Deputy Chairman Planning Commission
Montek Singh Ahluwalia and the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh Nabam Tuki at
the Planning Commission today. The meeting was also attended by Union Minister of
State for Planning Ashwani Kumar and other members of the Planning Commission.

While outlining his vision for the State, Tuki made a passionate appeal to the Commission
to understand the special needs and requirements of the State and provide liberal
support as always. The Planning Minister Chowna Mein also highlighted the most important
thrust areas for the State for the 12th Five year Plan and how State is planning
to incorporate these in a well thought of five year plan document.

A team of officers comprising Principal Secretary to chief minister Y Tsering, Development
Commissioner Ramesh Negi, Secretary Planning Ankur Garg and Secretary Tourism Sonam
Chombay under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary H K Paliwal also comprised the
delegation. A power point presentation, highlighting the performance of the State
and its thrust areas and performance of flagship schemes was made by Paliwal, Negi
and Garg.

Ahluwalia and all the members of the Planning Commission showered high praise on
the State for its exceptional performance in third party monitoring and agriculture
and horticulture sectors. The Commission also expressed immense satisfaction on the
performance of PM Package Projects in the State and said that Arunachal model of
monitoring should be replicated all over the country for promoting complete transparency.
It is noteworthy that the approved Plan size is almost 20.1% increase over last year’s
revised outlay of Rs. 2942.6 crores. The increase has been made possible as the State
has shown an average annual growth rate of 10.8% during the first 4 years of the
11th five Year Plan compared to the national average growth rate of 8.15%. In particular,
the agriculture sector has recorded an average growth rate of more than 14% and the
horticulture sector, almost 200%. The actual expenditure during the 11th Five year
Plan was 137% of the initially agreed outlay – a fact which was given due appreciation
by the Deputy Chairman during the meeting.

The resources will help the State in bridging critical gaps in infrastructure and
also help realize its vision of skill development, capacity building and generating
employment for 1 lakhs youth during the 12th Five year Plan.

Non cooperation delays bridge construction

Amar Sangno

ITANAGAR, Jul 11: In what could be termed as most shameful act, the public of Seppa,
instead of extending support to the administration and executing agency, have created
problems in construction of the suspension bridge over Kameng river linking Seppa,
Bazarline with New Seppa.

The construction works of the bridge had to be suspended for a month after mass desertion
of workers following attack on foreman Sanjeev Reddy allegedly by a group of people
in broad daylight at work site in April last.

Confirming the incident, Executive Engineer (PWD) Tania Soki claimed that mass desertion
of workers after the attack on the foreman is the sole reason why the department
is unable to complete the bridge within stipulated time. The bridge was supposed
to complete in April 2012.

He urged the public to create a congenial atmosphere and extend cooperation to the
department for early completion of the bridge.

The EE said that the department was putting its best efforts to complete construction
works within 30 days without compromising with quality.

Expressing his sadness over attack on the foreman, local MLA Tapuk Taku said that
public and civil society should come forward to condemn such acts and cooperate with
the department for smooth execution of the project.

The Rs. One crore bridge is being executed by PWD Seppa division. The fund was announced
by Chief Minister Nabam Tuki for construction of a new bridge over Kameng river
during his visit to Seppa after the existing bridge collapsed on October 29 last
year killing 16 people and injuring many.

There is public outcry over delay in completing the bridge within stipulated time
by the department concerned. Even many residents of New-Seppa have expressed their
displeasures over the slow progress of the bridge construction work.

Governor makes aerial survey of ongoing road, railway projects

ITANAGAR, Jul 11: Continuing his persistent efforts to see that road and railway
projects are completed in time, especially those under Prime Minister’s special economic
package to Arunachal Pradesh, Governor JJ Singh made an aerial survey of the under-construction
four-lane road from Itanagar to Gohpur today.

Accompanied by officiating Secretary to Governor Sanjay Goel, Deputy Commissioner,
Capital Complex and Superintendent Engineer (Highways) S Sumnyang, the Governor also
made an aerial survey of the railway project from Naharlagun to Harmuty, flood affected
areas in the Capital Complex and the road block point near Karsingsa.

Interacting with officials of PWD (Highways), the Governor emphasized on proper drainage
system while constructing the roads. He pointed out that roads are generally get
damaged during rainy season due to improper drainage system. He also suggested for
proper alignment of the roads to arrest blockage. Appreciating the efforts of the
department, he advised them to make mid-term corrections as applicable. Acknowledging
the tardy progress of the railway project, the Governor expressed his unhappiness
and said that he would take up the matter with the Union Railway Minister.

Superintendent Engineer (Highways) Sumnyang informed that formation cutting of the
20.7 km Itanagar to Gohpur road is in full swing. The work, which started in April,
2012 would be completed by September end. The Superintending Engineer added that
the Rs. 216 crore project funded under Special Accelerated Road Development Programme
(SARDP) and would be completed in four years.

ITANAGAR, Jul 11: Along with rest of the world, Arunachal Pradesh observed World
Population Day with theme ‘Universal Access to Reproductive Health’ today.

The students and staff took out a procession holding banners and placards in Pasighat
to mark the day today.

District Medical Officer Dr. M. Perme informed that World Population Fortnight this
year would focus on the theme ‘Universal Access to Reproductive Health’. Several
activities and campaign on the key theme will be conducted to create awareness among
masses on reproductive health during this fortnight, Dr. Perme informed. Other health
facilities like updating of eligible couples for identification and sensitization,
IEC on various methods of family planning, distribution of OCP and condoms etc. and
various other family planning methods for adoption would be made available at General
Hospital Pasighat and Community Health Center, Ruksin, he said.

Additional Deputy Commissioner SC Debnath appealed to all to create awareness on
the importance of adopting family planning and the facilities to delay and control
childbirth and reproductive health care.

Dr. Dangi Perme (Gynae), Dr. O Moyong, Medical Suptt. and Dr. Igul Padung, Co-Ordinator,
D. Ering Foundation all dwelt in length about the adverse effects of population growth
in the development process. Proper planning should be made and the general masses
be sensitized of the needs to control the high growth of population, they said and
appealed to prefer for a small family for happiness in life.

At Changlang, Parliamentary Secretary Thinghaap Taiju inaugurated the population
Stabilization Fortnight organized by District Health Society, Changlang on the occasion
of World Population Day today with a theme “Khushhali Ka Aadhar, Chhota Parivar”
(Small family is a happy family) at District Hospital today. The programme is being
organized simultaneously in all CHCs and PHCs of the district and it would continue
till July 24. Describing the various challenges in population control Taiju advised
couples to adopt family planning for small and happy family. Lauding the untiring
and self-sacrificing services rendered by ASHAs, he expressed the hope that they
would educate the village people on various methods and modern techniques of sterilization.

Taiju also inaugurated an exhibition stall where he was briefed on low cost modern
devices for birth control and other contraceptives, by DMO, Changlang Dr Parthasarthy
Dutta and a team of medical officers of the District Hospital.

In-charge Deputy Commissioner, Changlang M C Roy briefed on the need of population
control and assured full co-operation from the district administration.

Dr. Dutta informed that Govt of India this year has decided to observe the World
Population Day as Population Stabilization Fortnight. Population control in rural
areas usually fails mainly due to lack of knowledge and awareness on family planning,
he said. Training on various family planning methods, both temporary and permanent,
will be imparted to the villagers at the grassroots level through the ASHAs this
year, he said while informing about incentives given to ASHAs and couples, who undergo
sterilization. Devices for birth control and contraceptive pills will be distributed
free of cost during the 15 days programme, he added. DIPROs

Miao police apprehends drugs peddlers, recovers raw opium

Pisi Zauing

MIAO, Jul 11: As part of its regular crack-down exercises, Miao police under the
command of young SDPO Mihin Gambo conducted raids at Sikao village under Namphai-II
and nearby areas on July 9 during which one Indra Mohan Chakma was apprehended and
recovered 475 gms of cloth dipped raw opium, 10 bottles of (175 ml) Indian Made Foreign
Liquor from his residential hut.

The team also recovered 50 gm of raw opium from another local youth identified as
Nongrin Singpho, 30, of Ningrang village, Miao. The police seized the banned substances
and took them into custody. Accordingly, a case has been registered vide Miao PS
C/no. 25/12 U/S 18 NDPS Act.

“Due to regular raids conducted by police, Miao sub-division is gradually recovering
from drug menace,” MMA General Secretary Yoikham Pisi told this correspondent while
re-iterating its demand for establishment of de-addiction centre at Miao at the earliest
so that those addicts and peddlers apprehended can be counselled and medically treated.

“For opening of a de-addiction centre at Miao, we have placed our demand before the
Chief Minister Nabum Tuki last month,” she added.

A de-addiction centre run with discipline, seriousness, resources, and vision can
undeniably bring smile to thousands of frustrated families. The Singpho Development
Society has urged the Chief Minister to consider MMA’s demand for immediate opening
of a de-addiction centre at Miao.

Organizations obstruct construction work of JNV and Polytechnic College

ITANAGAR, Jul 11: The Bogong Banggo Kebang, Bogong Banggo Yameng Kebang’s and All
Bogong Student’s Union conducted a joint physical survey of the proposed JNV and
Polytechnic college within the vicinity of JNC yesterday.

The three organizations which are opposing the establishment of JNV and Polytechnic
College at JNC Campus said that the government’s decision for establishment of these
two institutions was finalized without consultation with the Banggo. The government
instead of fulfilling the long felt demand for establishment of state university
at Pasighat in JNC campus insisted on establishment of JNV and Polytechnic College
which is unjustified, they said.

They further said that establishment of these two institutions will reduce the limited
land resource of the college and the remaining college land will not be sufficient
for extension of the state university.

Criticizing the decision of the local MLA for establishment of JNV and Polytechnic
College, they said that the decision of the local representative is against the sentiment
of the people which may lead to an imbroglio in the near future.

Meanwhile, the three organizations led by BBK President Oyem Dai, General Secretary
Tagom Padung, BBYK President Maglek Yomso, General Secretary Tagon Tasung and ABSU
President Anit Tamuk and General Secretary Mingge Tasung obstructed the construction
works of the said two projects and demanded the government to clarify its stand on
this vexed issue.

“The Government land are available at Pasighat and just for fulfilling the interest
of some vested interest individuals, the whole society’s sentiments cannot be taken
for granted and imposing anything in the name of development in the area will not
be tolerated by the Bogong Banggo.

The three organizations threatened that if the government fails to address the demands
within 30 days, Bogong Banggo will launch intensive movement against the government
and will not hesitate to take back the donated land particularly JNC campus.

Meanwhile, the BBK, BBYK and ABSU refuted the Cabinet decision on regularization
of the encroached land report of which was carried in the local dailies. The organizations
said that such decision of state government will encourage more encroachment on government
land.

They urged the government to reconsider its decision and look for a conducive and
tension free environment.

Health mela at Jang

‘Adopt modern family planning methods’

JANG, Jul 11: A two days Health Mela began here at Jang Middle School, Jang amidst
a huge gathering from different parts of the Tawang district.

The Health Mela is being organized by the District Health Society in collaboration
with 40 Mountain Brigade. It is sponsored by RWD and Tourism Minister Pema Khandu
and supported by NGOs like YUVA Arunachal and Environment Protection Society Tawang.

In his inaugural address, Tawang DC Kemo Lollen stressed on educating the masses
about various birth control measures. Terming the population growth as a national
problem, he appealed the general public to adopt the National Population Policy of
“Hum do, Humare do”. “The age old notion that more children means more labour has
to be changed as population growth leads to increase in demand and decrease in supply,”
said Lollen. He advised the doctors, NGOs and educated youths to come forward in
removing the taboo regarding birth control measures and also in creating mass awareness
about infectious HIV/AIDS.

In his address, District Medical Officer (DMO) Dr. Khirmey said that the prime objective
of the Mela was to create awareness on family planning. He appealed to all for adopting
family planning methods for a small and happy family.

DCC President (W) Tsering Tashi, Member of Organizing committee was confident that
this Mela would benefit hugely to the people of the Sub- division, especially those
coming from remote villages where health facilities are minimal. Further, he requested
the Indian Army to continue such programmes in future by focusing in various other
issues like education, army recruitment etc.

Speaking on behalf of the Indian Army, CO of 10 Sikh Col. Brar appreciated the doctors
of Indian Army and the Health Department of the district for serving the ailing people
by participating in the Health Mela.

Tashi, a prominent public leader of Jang and Dr. Rinchin, In-charge, Community Health
Centre Jang also spoke on the occasion.

The inaugural function of the Health Mela was marked by presentation of colourful
programs by cultural troops of Indian Army and from various parts of the district.

Team of Doctors and Medical personnel from the District Hospital as well as from
the Indian Army will provide free treatment and medicines to the patient during the
health mela.

Yesterday, the DC held three rounds of review meeting related with BADP, DRDA and
Crime control in the district. DIPRO

Heavy rain farecast for North East region

Prafulla Kaman

PASIGHAT, Jul 11: Monsoon would remain active in entire Northeastern states for this
month as Indian Metrology Department has forecast heavy rains during July and even
in first week of August next.

According to Indian Metrology department reports, the Northeastern states may experience
excessive rainfall in including Arunachal Pradesh during the month with Southwest
Monsoon changing its course towards the region.

The MET reports further reveal that the Bay of Bengal branch of Southwest Monsoon
is heading towards North-East India picking up more moisture from the Bay of Bengal.
The winds arrived at the Eastern Himalayas with large amounts of rain.

The NE states had received 145 mm rainfall against the normal average of 92.5 mm
during June last whereas the Mid-Indian region witnessed 48 percent deficit rainfall
during the period, it said. The rate of rainfall in the region was only 30 mm against
the normal average of 57.8 mm. Similarly, the North-West region also faced 63 percent
deficit rainfall during last month.

According to rainfall data available with the Regional Meteorological Centre in Guwahati,
Arunachal Pradesh recorded 28 to 30 percent deficit rainfall during the last three
years.

Forgotten Anini and efforts of the DC

Dear Editor,

Anini, like every year, this year too is making headlines due to nature’s unkindness.

People do face the affects of the nature’s fury for none of their faults every year
during this season.

But unlike other years, this time we have some people who are working tirelessly
to mitigate our distress.

One of such persons is deputy commissioner Abu Tayeng. It is the result of his dedicated
effort that most stretches of the road from Roing to Anini is through and motorable.

I don’t want to offend officers or officials but in my lifetime I have never seen
any person of that stature walking on foot up to every block points to supervise
the clearance works. But Abu Tayeng did. He was there in block point walking on foot.
No word of appreciation is enough for him.

We the people of Anini, especially, the college and university students are indebted
to him for enabling us timely admission. We are grateful to him.

But still some university students are stranded at Anini or somewhere on the way.
So I would like to request our DC to kindly facilitate their passage up to Roing
so that they get timely admission.

We are also thankful to the Jindal Group of Companies for their timely help during
the crisis period.

Yours,

Omila Migi, Anini

My stapled visa to China

Dear Editor,

I am a third year student of B.A.LLB(Hons) at the Gujarat National Law University,
Gandhinagar. I would like to bring to your notice an unfortunate incident that occurred
with me on 29th June, 2012. I was awarded a scholarship to attend a three week Programme
on Public International Law at the prestigious Xiamen Academy of International Law,
China. The faculty for this year’s programme included numerous International Law
Scholars from across the globe including Prof. V.S.Mani from India, a renowned authority
in Public International Law , His Excellency Judge Peter Tomka, the sitting President
of the International Court of Justice, Hague among others. I was one of the four
students who were invited to attend the prestigious course on a scholarship.

Xiamen Academy of International Law each year holds this programme which attracts
students and scholars from 40 odd countries and with a limited number of strength
of 160 students each year.

After delaying my visa for several days, just two days before my scheduled date of
travel to China, I was issued a stapled visa by the Chinese Embassy at New Delhi
and consequently the Indian immigration at the International Airport at New Delhi
did not let me travel. I was informed about the Indian government's policy of not
allowing people with stapled visa to travel to China. I have a Delhi issued passport
and residential address and my passport mentions West Siang, Aalo as my place of
birth. My mother hails from the same district in Arunachal Pradesh. I wanted to highlight
this incident through your esteemed newspaper as the issue has not been taken up
by the Indian Government strongly at the bilateral level with China. The Indian government's
stand on the issue only prejudices people from Arunachal Pradesh by denying them
to travel even though China considers it to be a vaild visa for travel. Government
can't have policies against their own people and the government officials at the
T3 were only belittling towards the people of Arunachal Pradesh. I was initially
told by the Indian immigration that I could travel on stapled visa and they accordingly
instructed the airline to give me the boarding pass and after I checked in and was
awaiting security check, they offloaded me after making me wait for hours at the
airport. The immigration officials were derogatory and denigrating. They said that
if I were a true Indian then I would not want to travel to China and said if they
allow me to travel to China then the Chinese might want to make me their citizen.
I protested and told them that I am just a student intending to attend a course on
International Law that envisages to build a peaceful world order and encourages cultural
exchange. I told them explicitly that they had no right to pass remarks on my sense
of patriotism. I would like to bring to the notice the hardships that people from
the region face may be because of their distinctive mongoloid features.

Yours,

Sooraj Sharma

Give us solar home lighting system

Dear Editor,

Through your esteemed daily I would like to appeal to the Director APEDA, Itanagar,
to kindly direct the Deputy Director APEDA, Tezu Division to kindly give us 20 sets
of Solar Home Lighting System sanctioned by Ministry of New and Renewable Energy(MNRE)
Govt of India against New Tumba village under Wakro circle, Lohit District at the
earliest possible.

I am very sorry to say that we have only received the circular APPEDA/TEZU DIVISION/E-01/2011/155-56,
dated 4th April 2012.

Following the directions of the circular, we approached the APEDA Tezu, office with
all requisite formalities. But they flatly refused to give the sets saying that it’s
out of stock.

Since then not a single word has been heard from the Office of Deputy Director, APEDA
Tezu.

Where have the 20 sets of solar home lighting system meant for New Tumba vanished?

My village is reeling under darkness please help us out.

Yours,

Bachem Chikro

GB

New Tumba

Don’t test out patience

Dear Editor,

We would like to draw the kind attention of the Director Health & Family Welfare,
with reference to Advt.no.MAID NO:1/5/2008(p)III, dated Naharlagun 9th March 2012,
for the post of Technical Officer, GIPA Coordinator, Assistant Director and other
posts. It is my earnest request to the concern Department to conduct the interview
as earliest as possible.

On the month of March dated 25/3/2012, a written test was conducted for the mentioned
above post and selected candidates of 3:1 was haphazardly called for interview on
2nd April 2012. All the candidates, some from other Districts also dully turned up
for the interview but due to some reason better known by the Department, interview
was cancelled that day.

After that we have made many rounds of office just to know when will be the interview
conducted but it seems like the department is least concerned to conduct the interview.

Please kindly conduct the interview transparently as soon as possible and stop testing
the patience of unemployment youth.

Yours,

Aggrieved candidates

Traffic, VIPs and Police

Dear Editor,

It is awfully disturbing to see the VIP’s, and few Police authorities violating the
traffic laws by overriding the traffic signal paying no heed to ‘one way’, ‘keep
left,’ no parking signs etc, sequentially creating not only inconvenience but sometimes
even frightful results to the other vehicles plying on the road which include learners,
ladies and lots of school children being driven to and from their respective schools.

Today I faced a scenario where a VIP’s vehicle turned right without any signal or
indication to turn right thereby setting a bad example for vehicles following from
behind. If all vehicles have to respect the traffic laws, then why not the VIPs?
What is more surprisingly is that the Traffic Police on duty at the respective signal
was saluting the VIP who is a violator of the law.

The traffic personnel should have acted as per law and issued a summon slip for violating
the traffic sign since we are repeatedly told that law is equal for all.

I wonder whether VIPs have some separate Constitution or some other statute or whether
the concerned driver is illiterate and cannot read the ‘keep left’ sign or whether
the concerned VIP sitting inside the vehicle is ignorant and not responsible enough
to teach the driver not to violate the traffic laws as it is for the safety of all.

However, this particular case is not the only one breaking the law; even private
vehicles belonging to the police personnel/Ex MLA, Minister also commit such violations
backed by their colleagues.

As such it is my sincere request to all the VIP’s, VVIP’s, Police Personnel and all
drivers not to violate the traffic signals which are intended for the safety of people
at large.

Yours,

Hage Doilyang Tatum

Rtd.Sr.Area Organiser/DIGP (S.S.B)

Don’t eat your best friend

Dear Editor,

Since time immemorial dogs have been man’s best friend. They are wonderful and faithful
animals. They are like babies who need tender love,care and nourishment from us.
If you truthfully love them, they feel the same way for us and love us back.

I don't understand why people take pride on eating such lovely creatures. Now it
has almost become a fashion to eat dogs in Capital Complex.

If you long for meat, there are many alternative instead of eating somebody’s pet.
My 9 months old Sparky was friendly, lovable and faithful who went missing. Later
we found out he was brutally tortured and killed. Eating my poor Sparky was a barbarian
act or not?

He was one of the members of my family; he was like my little brother. My heart bleeds
with unbearable pain. Whenever I remember him, my eyes are filled with tears. Physically
and mentally, I am mourning Sparky’s death. Every day as I headed home after work,
Sparky would greet me barking with joy full of zest and zeal.

Only his unforgettable memories are left, which I will cherish all my life.

Nevertheless is there any proof that eating dog meat can cure illness? According
to the international clinical foundation and research, there is no scientific evidence
that dogs meat has restorative or curative powers. The health claims are folklore
not fact. Therefore I strongly believe that it is unethical and immoral to consume
man’s best friend.

I request all my pet lovers to raise their voice against cruelty on animal so that
we can save many Sparkys. R.I.P Sparky.

Yours,

Kinung Romey

All email and surface mails must be accompanied with contact numbers and full postal
address. Do keep writing but please make sure that letters are short and to the point.

----Editor

New tourism guidelines

Hoteliers and tour operators who have been cashing in on wildlife tourism without
bothering about local communities and resources might finally have to part with a
good share of their profit for wildlife and forest dwellers. The Union Ministry of
Environment and Forests (MoEF) has decided that hotels and resorts within a five
kilometre radius of national parks and sanctuaries should be charged a minimum 10
per cent of their turnover as local conservation fee. The fund thus collected will
be spent by states on conservation of forest resources, managing human-wildlife conflict
and generating livelihood for local communities.

The move comes in the backdrop of a Supreme Court case where the apex court is considering
whether tourism should be allowed in the core areas of tiger reserves. The court
directed the ministry to finalise the eco-tourism guidelines for the protected areas.

In the new guidelines, finalized last month, the ministry has reiterated that tourism
should be phased out gradually from the core areas. As an interim measure, it suggested
that for tiger reserves with the core areas of more than 500 sq km, community-based
tourism can be allowed in a maximum of 20 per cent of the core zone. In return, 30
per cent of the buffer area will have to be restored as wildlife habitat. For core
areas smaller than 500 sq km, 10 per cent of the core can be opened for tourism subject
to the condition that 20 per cent of such area is restored as wildlife habitat.

The guidelines, thus, aim to make tourism in such areas community-based and community-driven.
Any core area in a tiger reserve from which relocation has been carried out will
not be used for tourism activities. Forest dwellers who have been relocated will
be given priority in terms of livelihood generation through community-based eco-tourism,
according to the guidelines. Local home stays will be exempted from the conservation
fee.